The Philadelphia 76ers have secured their cornerstone player, Joel Embiid, for an extended stay in Philadelphia. The star center has inked a three-year max contract extension worth $193 million that will keep him with the team through the 2028-29 season. This extension reinforces the Sixers' commitment to building a championship-contending roster around one of the NBA’s premier talents.
"Philadelphia is home. I want to be here for the rest of my career. I love this community and everything you've given me and my family. There is a lot more work to do. You guys deserve a championship and I think we're just getting started!" Embiid shared, expressing his deep connection to the city and its fans.
By the end of this lucrative deal, the 29-year-old Embiid will be 35, still potentially playing at a high level if his current form and physical conditioning persist. The extension also includes a player option for the final year, giving Embiid flexibility as his career progresses. Interestingly, he declined a previous player option worth $59 million for the 2026-27 season, only to secure an estimated $59.3 million under the new terms for that same year. His salary will escalate to approximately $64.3 million in the 2027-28 season, and the player option for the 2028-29 season stands at an impressive $69.1 million.
Josh Harris, Managing Partner of the Philadelphia 76ers, lauded Embiid's decision to stay: "Joel has cemented himself as one of the greatest Sixers of all time and is well on his way to being one of the best players to ever play the game. We're ecstatic that this extension keeps him and his family in Philadelphia for years to come." He emphasized Embiid's on-and-off-court contributions, adding, "Joel is a great family man, leader, and person. He is an elite two-way player with a combination of size, strength, and athleticism that this league has rarely – if ever – seen. He is integral to this franchise's quest for another NBA Championship, and we are honored that he continues to choose this organization as his NBA home."
Embiid’s next five years promise substantial financial rewards, with estimated earnings totaling $299.5 million. Should he opt into his final year, his career earnings will surpass the monumental $500 million mark, solidifying his place among the highest-paid athletes in NBA history.
The 76ers have been busy during the offseason, also signing Paul George and Tyrese Maxey to max deals. These strategic moves, alongside the $193 million extension for Embiid, have resulted in the franchise committing approximately $715 million in future salaries. The team has also bolstered its roster by bringing in talents such as Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele. Additionally, they retained Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry, and re-signed K.J. Martin with a contract designed to be a trade asset nearing the deadline.
Embiid’s on-court performance has been nothing short of stellar. Last season, he averaged 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game, alongside a usage rate of 38.7%. His list of accolades includes seven All-Star Game appearances, five All-NBA team selections, and three All-Defensive team selections. Just recently, he added an Olympic gold medal to his collection, winning with Team USA in Paris.
While individual achievements have piled up for Embiid, team success has been elusive. Despite being one of the most successful regular-season teams since the 2017-18 season, the 76ers have struggled in the playoffs. They have not advanced past the second round, a barrier that both Embiid and the franchise are determined to break through.
Embiid's journey with the 76ers began when he was drafted as a 20-year-old from Cameroon. Reflecting on his career, he said, "I started a Sixer and want to be right here for the rest of my career. I had no idea when I was drafted as a 20-year-old kid from Cameroon how lucky I was to be in Philadelphia." He continued, "Through all the ups and downs, this city and the fans have been everything, and I am so grateful for how they've embraced me." Embiid also expressed his gratitude towards the organization: "I want to thank Josh, David [Blitzer], and the entire organization. Philadelphia is home and it's time to bring this community an NBA championship."
The 76ers are clearly all-in on their quest for a title, with Joel Embiid firmly at the center of their plans. Embiid's extension is a statement of intent and stability for a franchise that is eager to convert regular-season success into postseason glory. The community and fans, much like Embiid, are hopeful that this commitment will eventually lead to an NBA Championship banner in Philadelphia.